Volume 25 Issue 5 by AFRAMNEWS.COM

February 23, 2020

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION African-American News&Issues

Vol. 25, Issue 5 LIVING LEGEND

DR. MARCIA JOHNSON

BLACK BUSINESS OWNER CALLS ON CITY LEADERS

By N.L. Preston

HOUSTON –According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, this year’s outlook is optimistic for the small business owner. “2020 is off to an explosive start for the small business economy, with owners expecting increased sales, earnings, and higher wages for employees,” said NFIB Chief Economist William Dunkelberg. “Small businesses continue to build on the solid foundation of supportive federal tax policies and a deregulatory environment that allows owners to put an increased focus on operating and growing their businesses.” But for one Black Houston proprietor, the latter part of Dunkelberg’s statement, “increased focus on operating and growing their businesses” is becoming a challenge because he feels that the city he’s proudly supported over the years, is not supporting him.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION ON PAGE 3

Terence J. “Pokey” Reed has been serving the Greater Houston area for life as a proud citizen, and for the last 10 years as a business leader giving back. Even if you don’t know his name, chances are, you’ve seen him around town. The Acres Home native is the owner of Vintage Carriage Co., LLC and his premier fleet of horse-drawn carriages has been a staple of the city, providing quality service and joy at festivals, during the holidays, leisurely weekends, etc. The family owned and operated business (with wife Dr. Stacey Jones-Reed and son Terence Reed Jr.) has been “at your service,” never turning down an invitation to support the community and requests from elected officials, oftentimes for free. “There is so much we do in the commuSUPPORT cont’d on page 7

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR ON PAGE 9

HOUSTON – Marcia Johnson is a true champion of education. Born in North Miami Beach, this wife and mother earned a BS degree in Broadcast Journalism and a law degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville before making her way to Houston. “We moved to Houston in 1977 after my husband was recruited to Baylor College of Medicine,” Johnson told African-American News&Issues. Her first local job was at the City of Houston’s Attorney’s Ofﬁce before she moved on to a law firm, followed by the City of Houston Housing Authority and eventually Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she’s remained ever since. DR. JOHNSON cont’d on page 9

BLACK HISTORY MONTH HIGHLIGHT ON PAGE 5

Photo courtesy of San Francisco Bay View

‘SUPPORT ME AS I SUPPORT YOU’:

Photo courtesy of Texas Southern University

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

Learn more about HUEY P. NEWTON & THE BLACK PANTHERS

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ IN HOUSTON ON PAGE 11

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FEBRUARY 23, 2020

OPINION & EDITORIAL

THE MAGIC KINGDOM Partin’ the Waters By Omawale Luthuli-Allen

Stellar emerging Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes entered football immortality by blowing up in the fourth quarter and orchestrating the deconstruction of the San Francisco 49ers. This Black quarterback exhibited epic toughness and grit once he recognized what time it was. As a boy, he had envisioned going to Disney World and celebrating this victory moment. I hope that he keeps in mind what Duane Thomas said: If this is the ultimate game, why are they playing it again next year? Patrick, the experiences that you can have and the miracles that you can observe at Disney’s Magic Kingdom are much bigger and ultimate than the Super Bowl. Patrick, Super Bowl is over, go hard at Disney. For my fortieth wedding anniversary, I stopped pushing back. I yielded and went to Disney Land. This yielding produced one

of the most beautiful and enduring moments of our lives. Patrick, go to the Magic Kingdom and perhaps an epiphany will happen with you. Go to the Magic Kingdom and BE HERE NOW. The Magic Kingdom was chicken soup for the soul. Approaching the gates of Magic Kingdom, my wife and I walked by a young mother holding one baby by the hand and another child was in a stroller. My wife asked me if we had enough money to purchase a double stroller to accommodate both of her children. Both children were obviously handicapped, certainly developmentally disabled. At the counter, I broke out my credit card to pay for the double stroller. The mother looked at us and said thanks. We looked at the mother and we saw more than love, we saw DEVOTION. We saw a teachable lesson. We saw COMMITMENT based on an unbreakable COVENANT. The Magic Kingdom hostesses looked at the handicapped children and refused my card. She said, NO THIS ONE IS ON US. Acts of charity, acts of justice, acts of mercy are mandated for all that

believe that everyone has a right to live and live abundantly. Inside the Magic Kingdom was the greatest show on earth. Thousands of handicapped kids and their caregivers being chummy with Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck. Children and their chaperones were splendidly arrayed in Princesses dresses, crowns, scepters, pixie dust and huge castles with acrobats out front. Bottomless cake, ice cream, and cotton candy. Allegedly, we are an advanced industrial nation. Our CEO has little empathy for the disabled and immigrant children. Don’t lock them up, send them to the Magic Kingdom. Pour into them as the hostesses poured into the children. The hostess was a first responder who did not shirk her responsibility by saying: It ain’t my problem. Planet earth is a platform for acts of justice, mercy, and charity. The Magic Kingdom is chicken soup for the soul where talk is cheap, BS walks and millions of lives are being refashioned through transformational stories. MAGIC KINGDOM AT DISNEY IS TOO LEGIT TO QUIT. - AANI

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

WORKPL ACE M O S T - WA N T E D Native Son

By Todd Travon Rogers

From the moment I stepped foot off the campus of Texas Southern University as a Spring 2018 graduate and into the pool of the American workplace, I’ve spent most of my conscious hours at work. It’s where I’ve met some of my most confidential friends and collaborators over the past two years, where I’ve mastered skills and confronted challenges; both personal and professional. My work experiences have been a comprehensive part of defining who I am to the rest of the world. My workplaces have varied considerably. Some were very white-collar with a clear and defined authority. Others have been more casual in both dress and operations; the company CEO may walk the halls and address everyone by their first name. No matter what job title you’ve held or what type of company you’ve worked for, some things remained the same: the most-wanted employee is someone who is cheerful, courteous and

considerate of their colleagues. You should make criticisms that are constructive and be willing to offer a solution to any problem. The most-wanted is always a team player at work – the type to help meet deadlines instead of turning away when the pressure is on. I believe these are the assets that will grant recent graduates a high ranking on any company’s most-wanted list. I’ve resolved that whether you operate your own business or owe your life’s savings to an employer, I know that reliability, honesty, maturity, and opportunity should be essential parts of your business arsenal. From the resume to the job interview, dominate both personal and professional arenas using the skills that you’ve acquired overtime at the workplace. I’ll never be selfish with my expertise. I’ve dedicated myself to the process of guiding another person in places where there are fewer opportunities for Brothers like me. I’ve been lucky enough to have someone help shape and guide my career, so the biggest compliment I can give him is to do well by applying the lessons he’s taught and successfully bring someone else along. - AANI

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

AFRAMNEWS.COM 3

COMMUNITY

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

$2.3 MILLION RAISED AT AHA’S 2020 HOUSTON HEART BALL

Photo courtesy of The American Heart Assoc.

AHA Heart Ball attendees Bill and Barbara Easter Photo courtesy of The American Heart Assoc.

Community members, medical professionals, and corporate leaders gathered for an unforgettable evening celebrating the arts, culture and philanthropic spirit of Houston.

Photo courtesy of The American Heart Assoc.

AHA Houston Heart Ball attendees Nakia Cooper, Bobby Hall, and event emcee Melanie Lawson

The event was emceed by ABC 13’s Melanie Lawson

Photo courtesy of The American Heart Assoc.

the evening’s focus on Cardiovascular Disease and Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a rare condition that occurs when a tear forms in an artery in the heart. Her story filled guests with hope and is a reminder of the reason to celebrate the lifesaving work of AHA. The evening also included a surprise performance by students from the TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, a record-breaking live auction with luxury packages ranging from private jet escapes to a New York Fashion Week VIP experience, and entertainment from “Manhattan,” a live band who kept partygoers on the dance floor. “It was an amazing experience,” said Houston Association of Black Journalists President Nakia Cooper. “I had a lifesaving heart surgical procedure after suffering a mild stroke two years ago, so I am appreciative of the amazing work AHA does and celebrate the work of my gifted cardiologists, Dr. Sanjay Maniar and Dr. Richard Smalling.” - AANI

Photo courtesy of The American Heart Assoc.

HOUSTON – The American Heart Association’s 2020 Houston Heart Ball raised a whopping $2.3 million to fund its research and education programs that will ultimately save lives from heart disease and stroke. The event, which was emceed by ABC 13’s Melanie Lawson and chaired by longtime AHA supporters Beverly and James “Jim” Postl, was held at the Hilton Americas Houston on Feb. 15. Community members, medical professionals, and corporate leaders gathered for an unforgettable evening celebrating the arts, culture and philanthropic spirit of Houston. This year’s theme, “The Gift of Time,” highlighted how we all want more time to laugh, love and make a difference. Guests began the evening perusing one-of-a-kind auction items and sipping on cocktails before making their way to the ballroom to delight in a gourmet dinner. A video about heart survivor and heart transplant recipient, Meghan Stapleton, showcased

Longtime AHA supporters Beverly and Jim Postl were in attendance

4 AFRAMNEWS.COM

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HISTORY

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

AFRAMNEWS.COM 5

BLACK HISTORY MONTH HIGHLIGHT

Photo courtesy of Institute of the Black World

HUEY P. NEWTON AND THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY

The Party, in which Newton said was greatly influenced by Malcolm X, achieved national and international fame through their deep involvement in the Black Power movement and the politics of the 1960s and 1970s. By AANI Staff Writer

In the month of what would have been his 78th birthday, we recognize the life and work of Huey Percy Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party. Newton (February 17, 1942 – August 22, 1989) was born in Monroe, Louisiana during World War II, and was the youngest of seven children. His parents named him after Huey Long, former Governor of Louisiana. The Newton family migrated to Oakland, California as part of the second wave of the Great Migration of African-Americans out of the South. The family was close-knit, but quite poor, and moved often within the San Francisco Bay Area during Newton’s childhood. Despite this, Newton said he never went without food and shelter as a child. As a teenager, he was arrested several times for criminal offenses, including gun possession and vandalism at age 14. Growing up in Oakland, Newton stated that he was “made to feel ashamed of being Black.” Newton graduated from high school in 1959 without being able to read, but later taught himself and went on to attend Merritt College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1966. He later earned a Ph.D. in social philosophy from the University of California, Santa Cruz’s History of Consciousness program in 1980. After Newton taught himself to read, he started questioning everything involving the community, which led to his involvement in the civil rights movement. Newton and Bobby Seale formed the Black Panther Party in October 1966. The Party, in which Newton said was greatly influenced by Malcolm X, achieved national and international fame through their deep involvement in the Black Power Movement and the politics of the 1960s and 1970s. NEWTON cont’d on page 11

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SUPPORT cont’d from cover

nity with our carriages. We go on trail rides, we go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, I was part of the city’s Christmas Lighting in 2016 or 2017, and I even give free rides and throw candy to kids at A.B. Anderson school in Acres Home. I’m also part of the Christmas Lighting in Sugar Land and River Oaks holiday activities,” said Reed. “I feel that my city is not standing behind me and I wrote several letters to them. I spoke to Mayor Sylvester Turner personally and he said some things that he was going to do, but no one has done anything. I am not slandering anyone; I just want your help.” What is the help he’s asking for? Simply, a business permit. Something he feels he rightfully deserves. Reed contacted African-American News&Issues to share his plight in hopes of protecting the legacy he’s been working hard to build. He started his company 10 years ago with two carriages and has now grown to 23 carriages and two horsedrawn hearses for funerals. He does not want his company left out of the expanding city developments, primarily in downtown Houston. “They are building a green space downtown and everyone is talking about bringing in more bicycles, but they never mentioned my carriages, which have been some of the main attractions downtown and they are bringing a lot of tourists there,” Reed explained. “I’ve been trying to get my permit for eight years and I have certified letters to prove it. I’ve only gotten one response claiming they are working on it.” To be clear, the city says a permit is not needed for Reed’s carriages at this time. Permits are not required for Texas public city streets. However, a permit may be necessary on private property including neighborhoods, public parks or reception venues.

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

COVER STORY

AFRAMNEWS.COM 7

Reed says not needing a permit in the city doesn’t make sense to him, especially since bike companies have been granted them. “You gave the bicycle permits out before you gave the horse carriage permits, and we were here first. Texas is known for horses,” Reed said. “I built this business and without that permit, anybody, especially bigger companies, can come and push me out of the way.” So, is Reed correct? Can the “big boys” come in and take over? And when there is a need for permits, will Reed’s company be grandfathered in? “We know how that game goes. Blacks are last in and first Reed provided AANI with multiple photos and videos proving the blatant out,” said AANI publisher Roy racism and harassment he is experiencing. Douglas Malonson. Reed also has other challenges. He says he’s facing attacks, some even racist, from animal rights activists. He provided AANI with multiple photos and videos proving the blatant racism and harassment he is experiencing. “The animal rights groups have been marching against us and that’s their right, but it is not a march once you start calling people out of their names, using the N-Word and saying ‘You ain’t gonna’ make no money tonight N*****!’” Reed says he’s written several letters to the city asking for help, but still, no response. “Everything I do, I do it right. I have proper insurance, I’m licensed. I just had a $17,000 carriage at a community event with kids climbing all over it. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee told me she appreciates everything I donate, but I am asking for her help too,” Reed said. “I’m not asking for a favor. I am asking them to do what’s right. I don’t want to blast our mayor. I have supported Sylvester and all of our city and congressional leaders; I just want them to hear me.” Will Reed be heard? How will his business be affected? AANI will follow up and update on Reed’s progress. - AANI Photo courtesy ofAANI Staff

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

8 AFRAMNEWS.COM

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

GOOD TIMES STAR PASSES AWAY IN SLEEP

RIP JA’NET DUBOIS:

Photo courtesy of Sandra Rose

EVERYONE’S BEST GIRLFRIEND

By AANI Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES, CA. – She was sassy, she was fine and had the wardrobe, hairstyles and smile to turn every head in the room, no matter what age or generation you were

from, who didn’t love everyone’s best friend, Willona Woods? Family, friends, and fans from all around are mourning the loss of the woman behind the iconic character, Ja’Net DuBois, who was found dead on Feb. 18. Although she never shared her age publicly, she was reportedly 74 years old. In addition to her best-known role on “Good Times,” DuBois composed and sang the theme song “Moving on Up,” for Sherman Hemsley’s ‘70s sitcom, “The Jeffersons.” DuBois’ role on “Good Times” transitioned from being the sexy neighbor and BFF to show matriarch Florida Evans, played by Esther Rolle, to taking on a more dramatic edge as the mother to adopted daughter Penny, played by a young Janet Jackson. The megastar paid tribute to

DuBois on her Instagram page after learning the devastating news. “I am so very saddened to hear my longtime friend Ja’Net DuBois has passed away. I saw first hand how she broke stereotypes and changed the landscape for Black women in entertainment,” Jackson posted. “I’m grateful in recent years I had a chance to see her and create more lasting memories. I pray for comfort for all her family and friends. Thank you Ja’Net, I’ll miss you.” Jackson, who also cast DuBois as her mother in her 1986 “Control” video, shared multiple photos of the two sharing hugs and love throughout the years. Dubois, along with a few of her former “Good Times” co-stars, including Bern Nadette Stanis, Jimmie Walker, and John Amos – made surprise guest appearances during the recent TV special, “Live in Front of a Studio Audience.” Stanis, who played Thelma Evans Anderson, reflected on DuBois’ life and huge personality. “She used to keep us laughing all the time,” Stanis said. “She was very, very talented. If she wasn’t

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

singing, she was creating a character to make us laugh.” DuBois’ career started in theater, where she appeared in Broadway productions of “Golden Boy” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” A performance in “The Hot l Baltimore” in Los Angeles caught the eye of Norman Lear, who developed “Good Times” and “The Jeffersons.” More career highlights include co-starring in the films “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” (1988) and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” (2003), and on television in Moesha, The Steve Harvey Show, A Different World, and The Wayans Bros. Also, DuBois was a co-founder of the Pan African Film Festival, which since 1992 has showcased films meant to promote a greater cultural understanding of people of African descent. The festival posted an image of DuBois, calling her “Our Founder, Now Our Angel.” DuBois’ death caught many by surprise. She was reportedly in good health and had not been dealing with any known medical ailments. Her family said she died of natural causes, in her sleep. - AANI

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

EDUCATION

Photo courtesy of HISD

‘PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR’

HOUSTON – While school leaders across the district were greeting students at their campuses Monday morning, Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan was entering hidden entrances to surprise HISD’s 2019-2020 Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year. More than 20 North Area administrators, along with hundreds of students, packed into Eliot Elementary School’s cafeteria anxiously waiting to surprise Principal Zandra Aguilar as the district’s 2019-2020 Elementary Principal of the Year. “Aguilar is an exemplary principal who helps build leadership capacity with teachers and has continued to go the extra mile for a number of years in connecting with Eliot students and families,” Lathan said. A tenured principal at Eliot, Aguilar has successfully led the A-rated campus with every academic distinction from TEA to a designated “Exemplary School” with a strong Gifted and Talented program. “My entire team deserves this award because we work hard daily to make sure the children on our campus have the resources they need to succeed, everything from a hug, to shoes and clothing in some cases, to extra academic supports,” Aguilar said. “I am so grateful to the staff, students, my husband and children, and the entire community for this honor because I could not

AFRAMNEWS.COM 9

have done it without them.” Principal Carlos Phillips of Washington High School was busy giving an overview of the district’s new “See Something, Say Something” safety campaign to a packed auditorium (discreetly filled with family, friends and students) when Lathan made a surprise entrance to crown him as the district’s 2019-2020 Secondary Principal of the Year. Since joining Washington five years ago, Phillips has led the campus in exiting “Improvement Required” to developing a high-performing engineering program. “We have come a long way on our campus, and we will keep pushing the envelope to reach even greater heights,” Phillips said. “Receiving these awards is unbelievable. I want to thank my students and staff for always working exceptionally hard. I love this school.” The decorated principal had one more surprise waiting for him as he gave his thank you speech when representatives from H-E-B stormed the stage to name him a finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Leadership Award, which includes a $1,000 personal prize and a $2,500 prize for the school. The two principals will go on to represent the district at the state’s regional principal of the year competition, as well as be recognized at HISD’s Educators of the Year celebration in May. - AANI

DR. JOHNSON cont’d from cover

“One of the things that was most attractive about TSU was its urban mission. I’ve enjoyed reaching out and being a part of the community and helping it grow. Ensuring our kids are competitive is primarily the reason I’ve stayed at TSU,” Johnson said. “I’ve had the opportunity to do lots in the community, including creating non-profits, building affordable homes in Third Ward and Sunnyside and working with extraordinary people. I’ve had an exciting, happy and rewarding life here.” Johnson has served as a TMSL faculty member since August 1991. In 1992, she founded the Earl Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy, Inc., a non-profit think tank for the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She directed the institute for 20 years. Johnson has also served in administrative capacities at the law school including interim assistant dean and interim dean. Johnson has spent much of her adult life in public service and has served in numerous capacities at the national, state, and local levels. During her tenure at TMSL, Johnson has authored and or co-authored case books and articles, position papers and other publications including the Our Storybook on the history and legacy of Texas Southern University’s presidents from the institution’s founding to 2008. Johnson served as director of TSU’s Urban Research and Resource Center until October 2019 and is now a professor law at TMSL. Johnson is married to Dr. Luckett Johnson and has three sons: Jules Evan Johnson, Vincent Alan Johnson, and Luckett Anthony Johnson. She is also the proud grandmother of six. - AANI

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Black Panther Party Ten-Point Program 1. We want freedom 2. We want full employment for our people 3. We want an end to the robbery by the capitalists of our Black and oppressed communities 4. We want decent housing, ďŹ t for shelter 5. We want education for our people that teaches us our true history and our role in the present-day society 6. We want all Black men to be exempt from military service 7. We want an immediate end to police brutality and murder of Black people 8. We want freedom for all Black men held in federal, state, county and city prisons and jails 9. We want all Black people when brought to trial to be tried in court by a jury of their peers from the Black community 10. We want land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice and peace

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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ce Sin 4 9 19

WHATS HAPPENIN’ AROUND HOUSTON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 25

The Young Millionaires Mentorship Series POST OAK HOTEL UPTOWN HOUSTON 1600 West Loop South 8AM-5PM www.carterbrothers.com

Oscar Nominated Short Film Screening presented by 14 Pews 800 Aurora Street 281-888-9677 Tickets: $11

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 23

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 February Art Behind Walls Exhibit GYPSY POET 2404 Austin St. 2PM-9PM

Living + Room Powered by Jameson HOUSE OF BLUES FOUNDATION ROOM 1204 Caroline Street 9PM-2AM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 29

Bob Lee, Da Mayor of Fifth Ward Collages MYSTIC LYON 5017 Lyons Ave. 6PM-9PM

MFAH presents “Putney Swope”

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 1001 Bissonnet Street Showtime: 7PM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Afrosocial High Tea presented by IAABW & DevoutDesignz SHRINE OF THE BLACK MADONNA 5309 MLK Blvd. 3PM-6PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

African Hand-Drumming Performance presented by Fort Bend County Libraries CINCO RANCH BRANCH 2620 Commercial Center Blvd. FREE ADMISSION

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 HCC Black History Scholarship Gala

HILTON AMERICAS-HOUSTON

1600 Lamar Street KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Robin Givens & Lynn Whitﬁeld

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 29

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MARCH 1

“Once On This Island” presented by Theatre Under the Stars 800 Bagby Street 713-558-2600

NEWTON cont’d from page 5

Their goals, which included better housing, jobs, and education for African-Americans, were documented in their Ten-Point Program (see page 10), a set of guidelines to the Party’s ideals and ways of operation. The group believed that violence—or the threat of it—might be needed to bring about social change. They sometimes made news with a show of force, as they did when they entered the California Legislature fully armed to protest a gun bill. Newton adopted what he termed “revolutionary humanism.” Newton and the Panthers started several social programs in Oakland, including founding the Oakland Community School, which provided high-level education to 150 children from impoverished urban neighborhoods. Other Panther programs included the Free Breakfast for Children Program and others that offered dances for teenagers and training in martial arts. According to Oakland County Supervisor John George: “Huey could take street-gang types and give them a social consciousness.” In 1982, Newton was accused of embezzling $600,000 of state aid to the Panther-founded Oakland Community School. In the wake of the charges, Newton disbanded the Black Panther Party. After a series of more highly-publicized allegations of violence and criminal offenses, Newton was murdered by Tyrone Robinson, a member of the Black Guerrilla Family, in the neighborhood of Lower Bottoms in West Oakland, California on August 22, 1989. - AANI

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